10 Creative (and Cheap!) Gifts Any Toddler Will Love

Jul 8, 2011

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As anyone who's ever watched their two-year-old throw a birthday present aside only to go gaga over the box and tissue paper it came wrapped in knows, kids are fickle creatures. (My son once unwrapped a new outfit from his grandparents only to burst into tears and yell "What a bad trick! This isn't a pwesent—it's cwothes!") But it is possible to please your kids with a present they'll love. We promise! Here are 10 creative gifts that any toddler will appreciate:

1. A box of tissues. One after another after another after... they just keep coming out! Like magic!

2. A roll of scotch tape. It's sticky, it makes a cool noise and it goes on forever! (Parental note: Ensure you get the all-plastic dispenser with no metal parts.)

3. A roll of toilet paper. Always a hit in the bathroom after flushing the toilet, toilet paper will entertain them for an hour (about 15 minutes in Toddler Time) and you can follow the trail like Hansel and Gretel to keep track of your kiddo.

4. Nesting gift boxes. Like those cool stacking boxes you can buy at boutique toy stores... but way cheaper.

5. A set of old keys. Kids can tell those Fisher-Price "keys" are fake from a mile away. Besides, they aren't shiny like real metal. Take some old clean keys and hook them onto a carabiner for a jingly good time.

6. A plastic container of wipes with a pop-up lid. Just like the Kleenex box, but with bonus lid action!

7. Small bubble wrap. The large bubble wrap most companies use today is too hard for little fingers and toes to pop, but you can still find sheets of the smaller stuff in stores. (Parental note: Cut off a tiny square—nothing big enough to wrap around their head).

8. A container of dry rice with a scoop. If you're really thoughtful you'll include a tarp to go underneath it. But the backyard will do in a pinch.

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9. An old remote control, cellphone, keyboard or mouse. Just like the keys, kids can tell the difference between your laptop and their Leapster, and they want the good stuff. Take the batteries out and let your kids push all the buttons they want.

10. A carton of eggs. Yeah it's a mess, but I've never seen my kids more joyful than when they finally got permission to smash a dozen eggs. Do it outside though where clean-up is just a hose away.

What unconventional toys do your kids love to play with?

Parental note: Since these toys aren't meant as such, full parental supervision is a must if you choose to use them.